Tag: solid-state battery

  • Aluminum Solid-State Battery Keeps 99% Capacity After 10,000 Charges

    Aluminum Solid-State Battery Keeps 99% Capacity After 10,000 Charges

    The findings from a recent study are remarkable and might seem unbelievable. A battery cell made from low-cost materials and requiring only moderate effort shows outstanding performance compared to existing battery technologies. After undergoing 10,000 charging cycles, its capacity remained at an impressive 99% of its initial value. The efficiency of this new battery stayed above 99% consistently, though lithium-ion batteries still have a slight edge in this area. Nevertheless, this innovative solid-state battery excels in stability and durability, making it a strong contender.

    Remarkable Testing Outcomes

    The new battery also demonstrated impressive resilience in various tests. Researchers conducted extreme tests where they punctured, short-circuited, and heated the battery cell to 1,000°C. Remarkably, it did not leak or catch fire, and at 200°C, it maintained the same voltage as it did at room temperature. These results highlight the battery’s robustness under challenging conditions.

    Breakthrough in Technology

    This advancement comes from an aluminum-ion battery using a liquid electrolyte made of aluminum chloride, which usually deteriorates quickly in tests. The anode typically suffers damage, leading to rapid aging of the battery cells. However, by adding aluminum fluoride and coating the electrode with a unique salt, researchers successfully converted the cell into a solid-state battery, addressing the corrosion issue. Together, these components provide high operational safety and outstanding longevity.

    The team of researchers from Peking University and the Beijing Institute of Technology also underscored the battery’s recyclability. Aluminum fluoride can be almost entirely washed out and reused for new battery production. Moreover, aluminum itself is highly recyclable, adding to the environmental benefits of this technology.

    Energy Density Challenges

    However, one significant drawback of this aluminum-based battery is its energy density, which is about 150 watt-hours per kilogram. This is notably lower than that of other competing technologies, being only one-third to one-fifth of the best solid-state and Li-ion batteries. Still, it fares well when compared to standard household batteries.

    Given these factors, it appears that these long-lasting and potentially affordable aluminum-ion solid-state batteries will mainly find applications in stationary devices. While there is definite demand for such products, it remains unclear if commercial production will be successful. The battery’s technical features are certainly appealing and worth paying attention too.

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  • Samsung’s High-Energy Density Solid-State Battery Ready for Mass Production

    Samsung’s High-Energy Density Solid-State Battery Ready for Mass Production

    When Samsung decided to shift its focus to solid-state battery technology and production, it announced that prototype models would be ready by 2025, with plans to integrate them into electric vehicles by 2027.

    Confirmation of Readiness

    The leader of Samsung Electro-Mechanics has just verified that the solid-state battery is on schedule and has achieved the highest energy density and capacity-to-size ratio in the market. These solid-state batteries are capable of reaching an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, which seems to align with Samsung’s initial goals.

    Investment in Production

    Samsung is now ready to invest in facilities for mass production, aiming to supply prototypes for its own divisions to use in their products slated for release in 2026. Since the solid-state battery utilizes an oxide base and maintains stability, smaller cells can be incorporated into various devices, including wearables that require flexibility, such as the Galaxy Ring fitness tracker.

    Expanding Applications

    Once the mass production facilities are established and the real-world effectiveness of its solid-state technology is confirmed, Samsung plans to broaden the applications of this technology by 2027. Interestingly, this coincides with announcements from competitors like Toyota and CATL, who also plan to launch their solid-state batteries in electric vehicles around the same time.

    Advantages of Samsung’s Technology

    In addition to the impressive energy density and capacity, Samsung’s solid-state battery technology offers a significant benefit: lower mass production costs. The company has been experimenting with a new manufacturing process called roll pressing. This method does away with the slow Warm Istactic Press (WIP) process for sealing the cell, allowing for quicker placement into water and application of up to 600MPa pressure at high temperatures to solidify the electrode and electrolyte materials for stable performance.

    If Samsung manages to implement this process successfully on a large scale with its solid-state prototypes this year, it could overcome the major challenges hindering the widespread adoption of this promising battery technology, including production speed and costs.

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  • CATL Launches 500 Wh/kg Solid-State EV Battery Cell Trial Production

    CATL Launches 500 Wh/kg Solid-State EV Battery Cell Trial Production

    The largest manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems, CATL, has commenced the sample validation of 20Ah solid-state battery cells utilizing its sulfide technology research.

    Initial Skepticism

    At first, CATL dismissed the rapid commercialization claims surrounding solid-state batteries. The company stated that after several years of research and development, it remains skeptical about their mass-market readiness before 2030 due to the high costs of production.

    Revised Outlook

    Recently, it has adjusted its forecast, suggesting that solid-state batteries could be available for high-end electric vehicles by 2027. CATL plans to provide its own cells featuring an all-solid electrolyte by that time.

    To facilitate this progress, CATL has assigned about 1,000 engineers to concentrate on the solid-state battery initiative. They have achieved an impressive energy density of 500 Wh/kg, which is nearly double that of batteries commonly found in standard electric vehicles.

    Overcoming Challenges

    Nevertheless, industry insiders mention that CATL still has some issues to resolve regarding charging speeds and battery life. This is the reason for the current sample validation phase for the 20Ah solid-state battery cells, which are essential components of EV battery packs.

    Once the charging and lifespan criteria are satisfied, CATL will need to tackle production engineering and scaling up manufacturing capacity, which are actually where it excels the most.

    CATL isn’t the only player in the solid-state battery arena, as other companies like BYD, Toyota, and Samsung are also making strides with their respective projects. However, CATL is seen as the most adept in this field. The chairman recently stated that CATL’s solid-state technology is significantly ahead of the competition. Given its progress to the sample validation phase for EV-grade cells, this claim may hold some truth.

    Industry Consensus

    Most companies that have disclosed their solid-state battery plans share a common goal: they aim to have their battery packs ready for electric vehicles by 2027. However, Toyota has cautioned that these solid-state batteries will likely be pricier than the existing ternary lithium cells that use liquid electrolytes, meaning they will initially be reserved for luxury electric vehicles in its Lexus lineup.

  • Huawei Patents Innovative Solid-State Battery Technology

    Huawei Patents Innovative Solid-State Battery Technology

    Huawei is making big strides in energy storage with its new solid-state battery technology. The tech leader has recently announced a patent for a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, which is a key part of the next-gen lithium-ion batteries.

    Huawei’s Battery Patent Enhances Lifespan and Safety

    This groundbreaking technology tackles a major issue in the battery sector: the breakdown of liquid electrolytes. By swapping out these liquid elements for solid electrolytes, Huawei seeks to greatly improve the lifespan, safety, and efficiency of batteries, especially for uses like electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.

    The sulfide-based solid electrolyte in the patent shows outstanding traits, such as high energy density, quick charging and discharging capabilities, and superb performance in low temperatures. Additionally, it enhances safety by reducing the chance of thermal runaway, which is a frequent worry with standard lithium-ion batteries.

    Aligning with the Push for Sustainable Energy

    This development fits well with the worldwide movement towards sustainable energy solutions and the rising need for high-performing batteries. By tackling the drawbacks of existing battery technologies, Huawei’s solid-state battery innovation could speed up the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.

    As society moves towards a greener future, breakthroughs like Huawei’s solid-state battery technology are crucial. By solving the problems of traditional batteries, this innovation might open the door to a new age of energy storage options.

    Battery Innovations in the Smartphone Market

    Battery advancements are also a hot topic in the smartphone industry. At the Mobile World Congress this year, the focus was on creating batteries that charge faster and last longer for smartphones.

    Various companies are investigating materials such as lithium-sulfur and graphene to prolong battery life. This year, most leading smartphone brands are utilizing silicon-carbon batteries, which provide greater energy density, quicker charging, and a longer lifespan compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

    In addition, a Chinese startup has introduced a nuclear battery that could potentially power a smartphone for as long as 50 years. The European Union has also rolled out new standards to promote more sustainable and recyclable batteries.

  • New Solid-State Battery Extends Phone & Wearable Battery Life

    New Solid-State Battery Extends Phone & Wearable Battery Life

    TDK Corporation, a prominent Japanese enterprise, specializes in manufacturing, distributing, and selling electronic components and devices. Renowned for its advanced magnetics technology, TDK is the leading global provider in this sector. Last year, the company achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first component manufacturer in India to produce iPhone batteries.

    Breakthrough in Solid-State Battery Technology

    Recently, TDK Corporation has announced a groundbreaking development in solid-state battery materials, achieving an energy density 100 times greater than their previous models.

    This remarkable increase in energy density implies that more energy can be stored in a smaller space within a device. This advancement promises substantially longer battery life for compact, battery-powered gadgets like smartphones and wearables, including TWS earbuds, smartwatches, and smart rings.

    The new solid-state battery boasts an energy density of 1,000 Wh/L, a massive leap from the energy density of TDK’s earlier solid-state batteries. TDK has credited this achievement to the incorporation of oxide-based solid electrolytes and lithium alloy anodes. The company plans to enhance the battery capacity further through multi-layer lamination technology and extend the operating temperature range by leveraging the production engineering expertise they have accumulated in the electronic components industry.

    Safety and Environmental Impact

    TDK ensures that these new high-energy density solid-state batteries are safe to use. The employment of oxide-based solid electrolytes significantly enhances the safety of these batteries. The company’s primary focus is to integrate these advanced high-density batteries into compact wearable devices. Additionally, TDK aims to replace traditional, non-rechargeable coin cell primary batteries, aligning with EU battery regulations that mandate rechargeable batteries. This innovation is expected to contribute to reducing the environmental impact.

    By developing this groundbreaking battery technology, TDK Corporation is poised to revolutionize the compact electronics market, offering longer-lasting, safer, and more environmentally friendly power solutions.

  • Harvard Researchers Develop Solid-State Battery with 10-Minute Full Charge

    Harvard Researchers Develop Solid-State Battery with 10-Minute Full Charge

    Breakthrough Achieved by Researchers in Solid-State Battery Innovation

    Groundbreaking Discoveries from Harvard University

    A significant advancement in solid-state battery technology has been achieved by Harvard University researchers, as outlined in the latest publication in Nature Materials. The team’s creation of a solid-state battery capable of recharging completely within a mere 10-minute timeframe marks a substantial leap forward.

    Notable Characteristics and Advantages

    • Makes use of lithium metal
    • Demonstrates an anticipated charging lifespan of 6,000 cycles
    • Represents a promising solution for the electric vehicle (EV) sector
    • The high capacity permits extended driving ranges

    Tackling the Dendrite Predicament

    One of the primary obstacles in solid-state battery progress pertains to the formation of dendrites on the anode. The innovative approach by the Harvard researchers involves a multilayer battery design that strategically positions various materials between the anode and cathode, effectively minimizing dendrite formation.

    Integration of Micron-Sized Silicon Particles as a Solution

    The pivotal advancement revolves around the incorporation of micron-sized silicon particles within the anode structure. This strategic deployment impedes dendrite proliferation while facilitating the envelopment of lithium metal around the silicon particles. Consequently, this technique enables swift plating and stripping processes, culminating in a complete recharge in approximately 10 minutes.

    Evaluation of Performance and Commercial Potential

    Upon undergoing 6,000 cycles, the developed battery cell managed to uphold 80% of its original capacity. The proprietary technology has been licensed to Adden Energy, a spinoff of Harvard’s research initiatives, which intends to expand the technology for integration into larger-scale smartphone batteries.

    Hurdles and Prospective Implementations

    While challenges loom over the mass production of solid-state batteries, this research marks a crucial milestone towards the realization of functional solid-state batteries with diverse industry applications.

    Wrapping Up

    The breakthrough achieved by the Harvard research team holds immense promise for the accelerated charging of batteries in the EV domain and beyond. By capitalizing on micron-sized silicon particles, the issue of dendrite formation has been effectively resolved, bringing the practical application of solid-state batteries within closer reach.